Membership

Society membership is open to anyone with an interest in Shetland Sheep. You don't have to keep sheep to join and there are many benefits of membership

When you join the Shetland Sheep Society you join a large family of enthusiastic supporters of the breed. We are all passionate about this marvellous breed and welcome every new member. Committee members and area representatives are spread widely across the UK mainland and, along with other experienced breeders, are always there to help you get started and answer your queries along the way.

In addition to that help, there are the following benefits of membership:

Information Pack - All new members receive a comprehensive information pack with downloadable updates from the website

Quarterly Newsletter - The newsletter is sent to members informing them of committee news, members' activities, letters, show reports, legislation and health issues, press releases and much more.

Monthly eNews - A monthly eNews with time sensitive information which supplements the information in the quarterly Newsletter. It will be sent to members who supply an e-mail address and who wish to receive it.

Ram Inspections - Members are encouraged to take part in our voluntary Ram Inspections for shearling and older rams. A team of trained inspectors will assess the qualities of members' rams and advise on suitability for pure breeding.

Fleece Assessment - As a complement to ram inspections, and as an aid to breeding for better fleece quality, members are encouraged to take advantage of the Society’s Fleece workshops. Fleece quality both on and off the hoof is a focus for discussion at our workshops which along with ram inspections help to maintain and improve upon wool quality. At many Society shows and sales fleece competitions take place along with similar competitions at major shows for both on and off the hoof wool.

Area Representatives -The Shetland Sheep Society is supported by a team of Area Representatives who are on hand to welcome and assist new members and to provide an on-going co-ordination role in their region.

Regional Workshops - These are held on many Shetland topics aimed to share knowledge and assist members to assess and manage their own flocks.

Promotion of the Breed - The Society promotes and supports our breed at shows and sales in all parts of the country, with special classes and trophies for Shetland sheep and wool. The breed stand currently attends events at Wonderwool Wales and Woolfest along with NSA industry Sheep events.

Industry and Government Liaison - The Society is affiliated to the National Sheep Association and takes an active role in influencing legislation which affects our members' interests.

Breed Advertising - A proportion of our annual income is spent on Breed promotion with adverts in national and local press along with pen banners at shows. Facebook pages are used to promote our official SSS sales. In addition we offer a wide range of promotional merchandise for sale.

Social Events - Social events are organized, generally on a regional basis; however, the dinner following the AGM is recommended as an opportunity to meet fellow members from across the country.

Facebook Members only Page - We have a members only Facebook page where members can seek advice and get rapid answers from other members.

Breed Research - The Society is both directly and indirectly involved in research into matters affecting registered Shetland sheep as opportunities occur.

Website - This website is, of course, open for anyone to benefit from but as a member you will find the ‘Members only’ section will help you buy and sell sheep as well as other products, produce and equipment, and the News & Events and Calendar will keep you informed of the various opportunities that, as a member, you can take part in.

Sign up for Membership

We have an online system to take payment for new and renewal Memberships. Simply click the button below and fill in the form, payment will be taken by PayPal.

If you'd rather sign up by post, please download the relevent form further down this page.

Become a Member

Get Involved

We love people to get involved in the Society directly, especially on a local basis. Members run regional workshops, social events, flock visits, stands at wool shows and craft events, not to mention showing sheep at agricultural shows the length and breadth of the Country. There’s always a welcome, help and advice for new faces!